A former terrorists’ negotiator, Tukur Mamu has been arraigned before Justice Inyang Ekwo, on 10 counts bordering on terrorism financing, especially on the recent Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Mamu was arrested on September 6, 2022, on his way to Saudi Arabia for Lesser Hajj and was detained at Cairo International Airport before being repatriated to Nigeria.
In the charges, the Federal Government accused Mamu of aiding and abetting Boko Haram terrorism attacks against innocent Nigerians.
He was accused of collecting various sums of money in various currencies on behalf of Boko Haram terrorists from the families of the train attack.
He was said to have collected $420, 000 from families of the attack, and another N21m from other sets of families of the train attack. He is also accused of concealing the terrorism funds in his Kaduna residence in violation of provisions of the Terrorism Prevention, Prohibition Act.
He denied all the charges when it was read to him. The Federal Government asked for a date to commence his trial, but his counsel moved a motion requesting for bail.
He told the court that his client is suffering from ailments that required urgent surgical operation.
The request was opposed by the Federal Government on the ground that all ailments claimed by Mamu can be treated by medical doctors at the DSS hospital.
However, after taking arguments for and against the bail request, Justice Ekwo reserved ruling till a date that would be communicated to the parties.
The Judge ordered that he remains in the custody of the DSS pending the ruling on the bail application.